University Health Services

Wednesday, February 19th, noon - 1:30 pm via Zoom

Speaker: Cathy du Vuono, BANANAS Parent Education Coordinator

Finding child care for your infant, toddler or preschooler is one of the most important decisions you will make as a parent. There are a lot of things to consider, such as cost, hours, and the type of child care that is best for your family. There are questions about the difference between a family child care provider, a child care center, and all the available options . We’ll discuss each type of care so you can connect with the right provider. We’ll also discuss how to screen and interview potential providers.  

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Thursday, February 27th, noon - 1 pm via Zoom

Speakers: Jurrisha Johnson, People and Culture Lead Leaves Coordinator, Gabe Schmidt, People and Culture Healthcare Facilitator, Sheila Blake, People and Culture Benefits Counselor/Leave Coordinator, Yvette Escobar, People and Culture Leave Coordinator, Kristin Rissanen Ikuta, Academic Personnel Office Sr. Analyst 

Are you thinking about starting a family? This workshop will provide information on leave policies, disability benefits, use of income supplements: sick/vacation/pto/pfcb, etc., and options on when/how to return to work after having a child for both academic and staff employees.    

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Thursday, March 20th, Noon - 1 pm via Zoom 

Speakers: Karen Patchell, MA, Be Well at Work Work/Life, Elliott DiTusa, LPCC, Be Well at Work Employee Assistance, Mary Kelly, M.S. Be Well at Work Disability Management, Greg Ryan, Be Well at Work Ergonomics 

For both birth and non-birth parents, the transition back to work after baby bonding leave can feel overwhelming. It can be filled with a vast array of emotions, concerns, and limitations, not to mention demanding and conflicting schedules.

Join us for this panel discussion which focuses on understanding both positive and negative emotions related to this transition, how to establish boundaries at work, benefits and accommodations available to working parents, ergonomic strategies for multiple workstations, and self-care resources to help ease the physical and mental pressure associated with working while caregiving.   

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Thursday, April 3rd, Noon - 1:30 pm via Zoom 

Speaker: Karen Patchell, Be Well at Work

Whether a child’s behavior during a tantrum is to hit, cry, kick or scream, these emotionally turbulent moments can cause caregivers to feel overwhelm, guilt, sadness, or anger. To remain calm and patient while supporting a child in the midst of a tantrum, we must first understand the biological processes at play. Only then can we focus on responding and supporting children to eliminate the big emotions they are feeling. In this workshop we will: - Learn about the different types of tantrums - Look at what happens in the body when a child is having a tantrum - Discuss why they occur and what can cause them - Identify ways of responding and being present to support your child during a tantrum - And how tantrums can actually connect you with your child more. 

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Tuesday, May 8th, 1 pm - 4:15 pm via Zoom

Speaker: Tina Benitez    

This 3 hour class is taught by a certified lactation consultant and is broken up into two parts.The first portion of the class, 1-3pm, addresses breastfeeding basics and problem solving. The second portion of class, 3:15-4:15pm, covers returning-to-work planning and breast pumps. Those who have already attended a breastfeeding class are welcome to join the last portion of the class.

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Thursday, April 17th, Noon - 1 pm, via Zoom

Speaker: Karen Patchell, Be Well at Work

Gratitude is a powerful practice that can transform how we navigate our lives, especially during challenging times. In this workshop, we will explore the ways in which we can approach gratitude in our daily routines without engaging in toxic positivity or overwhelm. Through guided exercises and reflections, we’ll look at how even the smallest of shifts in perspective can lead to increased motivations, connection, and fulfillment.

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Thursday, February 6th, noon - 1 pm via Zoom 

Speaker: James Palen, ScholarShare 

How you save and plan for your loved one’s education goals matters. The way you save and allocate for college savings dictates the investments you have access to, the tax status of your funds for education expenses, and even has an impact on the needs-based financial aid your loved one is eligible to receive. Join us for a college savings workshop to help you better navigate the college savings arena. During this workshop, we will discuss: 

• Paying for college “The basics”
• The cost of higher education
• Different ways to save
• Is ScholarShare 529 the right plan for you and your family
• Getting started
• Making the most of existing accounts (resources)
• The Matching Grant Program and CalKids Q&A 

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Wednesday, March 5th, Noon - 1 pm, via Zoom

Speaker: Kenneth Leung, Beyond Financial Services

Are you prepared to adjust your investments for today’s economy? In this workshop, we’ll cover the basics of investing—stocks, bonds, and mutual funds—and how to apply this knowledge to make informed financial decisions. With these tools, you’ll be better prepared to navigate the evolving economic landscape. The global economy is shaped by shifts in policies, trade, and labor markets, with inflation and geopolitical tensions creating both risks and opportunities for investors. Understanding these factors will help you make strategic choices for a secure financial future.

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